When Words Mean Nothing

When I miss her now, I think of this and know that although it was a long time coming, she got her wish.

I, a so called poet,

who can burn a blank page

with word rage,

can turn a lively sparkling sea

into a calm, soothing balm.

Who can conjure up a sunrise

or sink the sun beyond a horizon

paint words in colour

on a grey wet day

evoke the scent of a rose

in the throes of midwinter

and melt snowflakes in summer heat.

I can convey all this

and yet

when my beloved Mum

elderly and frail,

ailing and sick

tells me she wants to die,

all I can do is sigh

and tell her I love her.

I have no words

that will bring her a crumb

of comfort 

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

Whoa… a Crumb of Comfort… my Mum was a Nutritionist and fed her family lots of Healthy Food. To this day I think of my Mum’s Wisdom.. and yet when the Cancer took over her Liver, she became paralyzed and could not speak clearly. However, the Doctor told us she could clearly understand everything said around her.. so we had to choose our words carefully until she took her last Breath. Chris, your Poem has touched my 💜 Heart. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, thank you for your beautiful review and for sharing your much loved mother with me. Yes I too was told that hearing is the last to go. I was by my brother's side too when he died, along with my sister and sister in law. It's the last thing we can do, knowing they are with their nearest and dearest. Sending love across the pond on a warm afternoon.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This is sad indeed Chris but perhaps one way of dealing with it is not to be sad but to accept that all too often aging leads down that path and simply being there and empathising is enough and all you can do. Don't try to alter her thinking but ask her what you can do for her today.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John for your kind words. We accept my Mum's altered state, and do our best to keep her happy.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Its all you can do Chris but still not nice for you.

[Chris Shaw]

It's not unusual John. Many are faced with this situation these days :(

[Cassie]

Poets have no words sometimes when those words are needed the most. This is a bitter sweet poem. I really like it, really have enjoyed reading it

[Chris Shaw]

Cassie of the smiling face, thank you so much for your visit and your very kind words. All good wishes.

Chris

[free spirit]

Hi. Your words, so raw with emotion struck a chord within my heart. And what you say is true, there are no real words of comfort to offer our loved ones who are in such pain and suffering that they would rather leave this worldly abode...
This one struck me deep...
Take care and warm regards...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you free spirit for your thoughtful review. All good wishes coming your way.

Chris

[free spirit]

Always a pleasure and sending mountains of strength to you and your mum..

[Chris Shaw]

You are really kind. Thank you for your caring.

[john l smith]

My buddy had the same words spoken to him, with his mother spending more time in dialysis, than out, and eventually, she just wanted to drift away.
A difficult period to go through as you know and I often wonder what our thoughts will be under similar circumstances.
If your Mother was coherent at the end, that would be a minor blessing.
My Mother and Father-in-law, both with dementia, went very poorly, that being very hard on the families.
My Mother-in-law and my Father just dropped on the spot, which although shocking, was much easier on everyone

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Dave, I have to agree that the dropping on the spot is kinder for all. What my mum is going through is torture for everyone.

Chris

[kitty]

Words can mean so much ~ even at the tenderest touch, can make or break us ~ make us feel at ease. They can do so much tis true ,make men do what they very oft rue. With words the world go round. lets face it where would we be ~ without words? Wonderful composition Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much kitty, for giving this poem an airing. It means a great deal because it's about my beloved mum.

Chris

[kitty]

Dont we just that they could be with us always and forever!

[kentuck14]

Yes . . . a poet can do amazing things . . . but . . .
I appreciate this poem because it's not only well done but reveals a humility in the face of the human condition. Thanks for your being vulnerable before us.

Tom

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tom, for giving this old poem another airing. Nothing has changed since I first wrote it. Mum is still with us in body if not in spirit.

Chris

[MsJewel]

You have touched my heart with this one. I'm at a loss for words...so touching and beautiful :) Julie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your lovely words Julie. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

Nice write Chris , we are only in control of our own destiny and sadly not for others.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew, sadly you are right. Many thanks for calling on this older poem in the archives. Good to give them an airing.

Chris

[Taniska 😊€..]

You are like my grandma I can't judge your writing but I want to tell you that I love your writing style and the line that I love most in this poem is ,"I love my mum". Thanx for writing such a beautiful poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Taniska for your very lovely response.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

telling her you love her is comfort to her but let her know that you understand and that she is free to go and that you will be ok as you understand.
thats my only advice. Hard to say though. I lost mum 4 years ago. its very hard. I miss her but know she is at peacenow. Take care and thanks for sharing your story with us x

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely response Julie. Your words are very much appreciated.

Chris